Signs of Dehydration in the Elderly

As we all know, our body is composed mostly of water. In fact, more than 70 percent of the body's weight is due to water. Maximum amount of water is located within the cell, also called as the intracellular space. Remaining water is found in the extracellular space that comprises the interstitial space (between the cells) and intravascular space (blood vessels). There is a continuous cycle of water intake and loss, while maintaining a specific quantity of water by the body.

Water is lost through activities like sweating, urination and exhalation during breathing. Body dehydration occurs when the body contains insufficient amount of water and electrolytes to carry out the normal functions. Though it can occur in any age group, dehydration is most common among senior citizens. The signs and symptoms of dehydration vary significantly, depending upon the age group. Let's take a look at the causes and signs of dehydration in the elderly.

Signs of Dehydration in the Elderly

Dehydration is a major cause for hospitalization among the elderly. Elderly citizens are more susceptible to dehydration due to less fluid content in the body; about 10 percent less than an adult body. It is also the physiological changes associated with aging like reduced sense of thirst and loss of appetite that triggers dehydration among senior citizens.

Dehydration in the elderly can be caused due to side effects of medications (e.g. diuretics and laxatives) and other medical problems like high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diarrhea, vomiting, heat exhaustion (increased core body temperature), heat stroke, infections, and at times exercise. Very often, the signs of dehydration are mild and vague. They are more or less similar to dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms. Following are some of the signs of dehydration in the elderly.

• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Sunken eyes
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Fever
• Pneumonia
• Disorientation
• Urinary tract infections
• Tachycardia
• Weight loss
• Dry and poor elasticity skin
• Less urine output
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Increased infections

If any of these symptoms is observed in an elderly person, it is advisable to consult and seek advice from a qualified physician. The best way to check dehydration among the elderly is monitoring body weight everyday. Dehydration is mild, if body weight loss is 2 percent; whereas, it is severe in case of 5 percent (or more) loss of body weight.

Proper diagnosis and treatment of dehydration is recommended to avoid certain medical consequences. You can discuss with the concerned physician about the side effects of the current medications that the patient is continuing. Treatment of dehydration among the elderly is necessary, especially if it is caused due to an underlying disease.

Some of the complications of dehydration are kidney failure, coma, shock, electrolyte abnormalities and other heat related diseases. The best way to prevent dehydration in the elderly is drinking lots of water, and other healthy drinks. Foods and drinks containing sodium and potassium should also be consumed to restore the electrolyte level in the body. It is also advisable to monitor the fluid intake and output, and check the body weight regularly.